Chicago Cubs predicted to trade #4 overall prospect at deadline, but should they?

The Chicago Cubs are 13-9 and finally out of last place in the National League Central Division. The irony of their record is that, if they played in any American League division, they would be in first place. As it stands, they sit in fourth place in the NL Central.

Of course, it is only April and there are 140 games left to play. Over the course of the next several months, Chicago will slug it out with their division rivals in what is setting up to be the toughest path to the MLB postseason.

Prior to the season, the Cubs were predicted by many to win the division. Some even thought they would advance all the way to the World Series. In order for that to happen, though, they will likely need to add some starting pitching.

And that will cost them.

The Chicago Cubs are predicted to trade Jefferson Rojas

As the baseball world knows all too well, Chicago is in the market for some quality starting pitching. Matthew Boyd is currently on the injured list, but is expected to be back soon. Cade Horton, though, is not as fortunate. He is having surgery on an injury in a procedure that not only has ended his 2026 season, but will keep him out until well into the 2027 season as well (if there is one).

Justin Steele still has not returned from his own injury sustained last year. He will be back eventually this summer. That being said, there is no guarantee that he will be the same pitcher he was before the injury.

With this in mind, ESPN predicts that the Cubs will be forced to trade Jefferson Rojas. He is their number-four overall prospect and could be moved ahead of the MLB trade deadline in order to add some starting pitching:

“Rojas is one of the Cubs’ top prospects, a shortstop in Double-A with a nice swing and enough glove to stick at the position. With Dansby Swanson signed through 2029, Nico Hoerner recently extended with a six-year deal and Alex Bregman signed through 2030, Rojas’ path to playing time in the infield is blocked. Meanwhile, with Cade Horton out for the season and some concerns about the bullpen depth, dealing Rojas could help get a quality pitcher for the stretch run.”

Rojas is currently hitting .294/.351/.618 with three home runs and 11 RBI in 10 games at Double-A. As noted above, his path to playing time at the Major League level is blocked in Chicago by the presence of Hoerner and Swanson.

Should the Chicago Cubs trade Jefferson Rojas?

In many ways, it makes sense that Rojas is the Cubs’ most expendable asset. Chicago needs pitching and Rojas is just 20 years old with a high ceiling that many teams may covet.

The fact of the matter is that the Cubs organization also boasts Pedro Ramirez, their eighth-overall prospect who also plays on the infield. Starting pitching is the team’s biggest concern. Ff they believe they can make it to and win the World Series this year with a better overall staff, they would certainly be making the correct decision to move Rojas for the right pitcher.

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For More Chicago Sports

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-jefferson-rojas-trade-rumors/